It’s almost ludicrous how many abbreviations there are for the various degrees that a person can pursue in the course of their educational career. BSN? MBA? BBA? What do they all mean? And more importantly, what can you do with your life after you have that all-important diploma with these letters on it? Let’s single out two of these acronyms and take a look at what sort of career you might be able to forge for yourself.
What Is a BSN?
BSN stands for Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This is a four-year degree granted by an accredited nursing school, and prepares students for a variety of nursing careers, such as hospice and pediatrics. What makes a BSN different from a two-year Associates degree program is the notion that a BSN degree holder may eventually move away from patients’ bedsides and into a more research-oriented career track. A BSN prepares nurses for roles in the nursing sciences and medical research industries. While holders of an Associate’s Degree may feel it’s their calling to remain a nurse, and stay at the side of the sick and wounded, others may feel that the additional education associated with a BSN can be a valuable tool for career advancement down the road, such as those interested in administrative or teaching positions.
What Is an MBA?
MBA stands for Master of Business Administration. As the name would suggest, this is a master’s academic degree, which means it is pursued during a postgraduate educational career. It is designed for those planning for the long-term, who already hold a Bachelor’s degree from a four-year program.
MBA programs put an emphasis on exploring and creating scientific methods to business management. Areas of study include finance, accounting, human resources, and even marketing. Therefore, those who hold an MBA are well-rounded individuals well gifted with excellent leadership and communications skills, which is to say nothing of their skills with mathematics. Common jobs for MBA graduates include marketing managers, HR specialists, financial advisers, and IT managers.
Can The Two Be Combined?
While it is relatively uncommon, it is possible for a student to pursue and hold both an MBA and a BSN. Possible applications for this type of education might include product development and marketing for nursing- or medical-related products. Thankfully, an MBA requires no specific undergrad degree, and can be combined with almost any field of study.
General Thoughts
As with any educational program, one of the most important things to be sure of is whether the program is accredited. Completing coursework online, for example, might seem attractive to some, but a degree earned online from an unaccredited program may prove to be a significant stumbling block down the road. To be sure no problems arise with transferring credits, or even with finding a job following graduation, always be sure your program is accredited.
BSN and MBA programs are proof positive of the value of continuing one’s education. Not only do they impart factual knowledge required for their respective career paths, but they provide valuable experience with managing and interacting with other individuals in the field.